Joy Division, the band who defined the sound of Factory Records and currently the subject of the critically-acclaimed film Control, live on in form of Transmission. We spoke to members of the band.

IN just over 18 months, Transmission have been stunning audiences around the country with their authentic sound.

The Birmingham-based quartet - who are at Blackburn's North Bar tonight - are very specific about how they like to be described.

"We don't like the name tribute band," said guitarist and singer Paul.

"We like to say that Transmission are the authentic sound of Joy Division and we work very hard to achieve that.

"We don't believe in trying to look like Joy Division. They were unique."

As if to prove the point, Paul shares vocal duties with bassist Colin.

"Let's face it, no-one could be like Ian Curtis," he said. "So we don't even try."

All four members of Transmission played in a series of bands playing original material before coming together.

"We all loved Joy Division and it seemed the natural thing for us to do," said Paul.

With the recent film Control and before that 24 Hour Party People, the spotlight is once again turning to the influence Joy Division had over the music business.

The band went on to become New Order after singer Curtis committed suicide.

"The recognition of how important Joy Division were is long overdue," said Paul.

"They may have evolved from the post punk scene but as a band they were so totally different from anything which had gone before.

"So many bands now are citing Joy Division as an influence and it's not surprising."

On stage Transmission play songs from all of Joy Division's back catalogue and from the early days when the band were known as Warsaw.

"Some of the real Joy Division fans prefer it when we play album tracks and lesser-known songs rather than just playing the likes of Love Will Tear Us Apart," said Paul.

Even the most diehard fan would admit that a live Joy Division show could be a hit or miss affair.

"I know what you mean," said Paul. "We have had people come up to us after a gig and say that we have done it better than Joy Division.

"But to me the mistakes in their live shows were part of the attraction.

"They were always a totally honest band."

As well as Transmission playing live tonight, visitors to the North Bar will also get the chance to hear some rare original recordings.

Tickets are avilable on the doors.